The UN Security Council now needs to pass a resolution backing a TRC in Burundi, as well as a special court to prosecute war crimes or human rights violations.

One of the most successful truth and reconciliation commissions operated in South Africa in the mid-90’s, following the end of apartheid. Richard Lyster is a former TRC commissioner and a human rights attorney in South Africa. From Durban, he spoke to English to Africa reporter Joe De Capua about the difficulties in setting up such a commission...

The human rights attorney says while the TRC knew in advance what the testimony would be of those who told story of human rights abuses, it was important for witnesses and the country to share in a ‘cathartic’ event.

Also, while the natural urge of many people is to seek revenge against those who killed loved ones, the TRC must balance establishing the truth and amnesty for those who publicly testified about their criminal actions."

- http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2005-06-16-voa50.cfm

Burundians have pointed out one key difference between South Africa's peace process and Burundi's. Terrible though Apartheid was, far more serious crimes were committed in Burundi, and on a far greater scale. For many South African torture victims, hearing their former tormentor's public apology was a valuable part of the healing process. But you can't apologise to someone who's dead, nor can you "heal" them. And most of Burundi's victims weren't just tortured - they were brutally killed.

Is the UN going to punish Burundi's mass-murderers, or pardon them? Will the TRC really be a serious attempt to end the cycle of violence, or a cynical smokescreen for yet another amnesty?